KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) K-9 Unit will be set up by early next year, says Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali.

The Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director said the unit would be used for various tasks, including crowd control in the event of riots.

"We will be getting 10 dogs for the unit.

"We expect them to be big dogs such as German Shepherds," he told a press conference after closing a seven-week basic training course for FRU's Horse Unit on Monday (Aug 14).

"We hope the unit will be able to strengthen the FRU.

"Having a dog for crowd control will be effective because most people will think twice before causing trouble," he said.

Aside from crowd control, the K-9 unit could also assist in bomb detection operations as well as during a hostage crisis, Comm Hazani said.

"We have also floated the idea to form a similar unit for the Special Action Unit (UTK) and VAT 69.

"We will see whether it will be feasible for them to have their own K-9 units," he said.

Comm Hazani said plans are ongoing to diversify the role of the FRU, including to assist in natural disasters.

"With time, we hope the FRU will be close to the standards of SMART (Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team).

"We believe the FRU can really assist during disasters given their training," he said.

On the basic training for the FRU Horse Unit, Comm Hazani commended the 30 personnel for their hard work during the seven-week course.

"I believe there are risks in attending such training but these participants have risen to the challenge.

"Congratulations, as their hard work and dedication paid off," he said.

Meanwhile, on the recent six state elections, Comm Hazani said campaigning and polling went on without any major security incident.

"The elections went smoothly due to the maturity of the candidates and supporters.

"The situation was peaceful right to the end of the elections," he said.